"The Real Ramona" by Throwing Muses

“The Real Ramona” is the fourth album by the Newport, Rhode Island-based alternative rock band Throwing Muses. The last album the band recorded before founding member Tanya Donelly and bassist Fred Abong left to form Belly, the album features a distinctive pop sound that is different from their past albums; however, it still features many of the band’s trademarks, such as Kristin Hersh’s voice and unusual song structures.

Tracks and history

Receiving excellent reviews from music critics, “The Real Ramona” was recorded on May 13, 1990 and released on March 12, 1991. Featuring twelve tracks:

• “Counting Backwards”
• “Him Dancing”
• “Red Shoes”
• “Graffiti,”
• “Golden Thing”
• “Ellen West”
• “Dylan”
• “Hook in Her Head”
• “Not Too Soon”
• “Honeychain”
• “Say Goodbye”
• “Two Step”

Kristin Hersh wrote all of the songs except for “Not Too Soon” and “Honeychain,” which Tanya Donnelly wrote, and “Two Step,” which credits the entire band as its authors. Dennis Herring produced the album for Sire Records; 4AD Records released it in the UK.

Chart history

The only single released from “The Real Ramona” was “Counting Backwards,” which reached number 11 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Chart in the United States. The album failed to chart in the US, but it reached number 26 on the UK Albums Chart.

After the release of “The Real Ramona,” Throwing Muses has released four additional albums, with another one in the works. Tanya Donnelly has occasionally returned to perform with the band on, but continues to perform as a solo artist, leaving Kristin Hersch as the only founding member of Throwing Muses to remain active in the band.